24 things I've learned since becoming a mother

1. Yelling is not sufficient motivation to flush the toilet after each use. Nor is identifying the perpetrator.

2.There are things/ questions only a dad can answer and do. That is good. It in no way threatens our usefulness as mothers.

3. I'm so glad when daddy comes home.

4. Nothing sucks the creativity out of children faster that television first thing in the morning.

5. It doesn't matter all that much if others think you are a good mom. The most important thing is what you think about yourself. This can be a blessing and a curse.

6. What your kids wear does not determine if you are a good mom or not. (See # 5)

7. Pick your battles... carefully.

8. Sometimes "I'll think about it." is a really good answer.

9. Sometimes "Sure" is an even better answer.

10. Worse case scenerios should be avoided.

11. It's ok to eat the chip that is laying on the counter but be prepared just in case all the salt has been licked off.

12. Life isn't fair. If it was fair we wouldn't have or need agency.

13. Outfits on babies are over rated, I'll take one piece jammies with feet any day. Simplify.

14. A shower is an important part of the success of any given day.
15. Shrieking is lame.

16. There can be a spot for everything i.e.: a "naughty" spot; a "happy" spot; a "reverent" spot; a "talk to me with a little more respect" spot... you get the picture.

17. Nothing is as sweet as when a child does something without being asked...

18. ...except maybe an "I love you" when nothing is wanted...

19....or playing with a sibling without coersion.

20. Sometimes we just need a bit more sleep.

21. Yelling will not get anyone out the door faster. (But it could start the day out real bad.)

22. Repeat after me, "It's going to be oookaaaaay."

23. Breakfast isn't the most important meal of the day. Dinner is.
(And I'm not talkin' 'bout the food.)

24. I won't ever be the perfect parent. I will make mistakes. I can only hope that my kids will know that the mistakes I've made were mistakes made out of love, not neglect or hurt. Just love.

Family fun

HMMM... what to do when it's cold outside.

Our kids have no problem finding fun (albeit dangerous) things to do.

It looks more dangerous than it actually was.

McCade fully rotated and landed every time.

So did Grace. And Bella... she believes she can fly.

Bella's bangs

While we were visiting Val & Tami this weekend my niece Kaitlyn did Bella's hair for her, she swept Miss B's bangs over to the side.

Bella became obsessed.

She carried a comb around for the rest of the day wetting and combing the bangs to the side. She has wanted them swooped over ever since.

Yesterday I saw her spitting in her hand and wiping her bangs to the side. She did it three times before it registered what she was doing.

That is some sweet styling product.